VISITING THE GUTHRIE THEATER

Where is the Guthrie Theater?

The Guthrie Theater is located in downtown Minneapolis on the west bank of the Mississippi River, next to Gold Medal Park and the Mill City Museum.
818 South 2nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612.377.2224

How can I get to the Guthrie Theater?

We are easily accessed by freeways from all directions, are close to Routes 7 and 22 on MetroTransit and two blocks from a light rail station. More information.

When is the building open?

What is the parking rate in the ramp across the street?

The ramp across the street, the Riverfront Ramp, is owned and operated by the City of Minneapolis. The event rate for Guthrie Theater events is typically $8. Event rates will vary based on Metrodome events and other activities in the area. Daily rates vary depending on the time of day and length of stay.

Can I come to the Guthrie Theater without seeing a show?

Yes! You do not need a ticket to a play to enjoy the Level Four, Five and Nine lobbies, the "endless bridge," Sea Change or the Level Five Café.

What can I do at the Guthrie Theater?

In addition to our nationally-recognized work, our building generates excitement of its own, drawing visitors from all parts of the country and from around the world. Besides seeing the plays and concerts on our stages you can dine at Sea Change or Level Five Cafe, take a class or join a discussion, enjoy our spectacular views from our public lobbies, relax in Level Five Express, take a backstage tour, shop in the Guthrie Store and more.

Can I take pictures in the building?

The Guthrie Theater is open to the public and you are welcome to take photos and videos for your personal, non-commercial use in the lobbies of Levels Four, Five and Nine.
Please note: photography and videography are never allowed in the theaters.

Portrait and wedding photographers are welcome to use the lobbies of Levels Four, Five and Nine free of charge with the following restrictions:

Photography must not interfere with any previously scheduled Guthrie Theater activity, particularly in the lobbies during pre-show activity.

Photographer must be self-contained, with no additional or free-standing equipment (i.e. no tripods, lights, electrical cords, etc.)

Moving Guthrie Theater furniture and climbing in or on the window boxes is strictly prohibited.

The Visitor Services office reserves the right to terminate any photography sessions on the Guthrie's property it deems inappropriate or intrusive.

To inquire about a professional or commercial shoot in the Guthrie Theater or Sea Change, including architectural and fashion photography, filmmakers and production companies: please contact the Communications office at press@guthrietheater.org.

Why isn't that blue passage over South 2nd Street a skyway?

The city of Minneapolis ordinance prohibits pedestrian skyways in the Mill City Historic District neighborhood. The goal of these guidelines is to encourage pedestrian activity at street level. Although the production link looks very much like a skyway, it serves a very different purpose. Our sets are built in the scene shop located on top of the parking ramp. In order to move the sets (which sometimes weigh over a ton) from the scene shop to the stages on level three, a production link was necessary and became a critical element of the building's design. The city understood this need for the functioning of the building and, given Jean Nouvel's sensitivity and respect to the industrial architectural forms that were prevalent in the historic mills district, the city agreed to the passage over Second Street.

With our audience in mind, Mr. Nouvel located the production link directly over the main entrance of the theater to provide shelter to patrons from snow and rain. We believe it is a vast improvement from past decades prior to the Walker Art Center's ramp being built on Vineland Place when our audience parked in Parade Stadium, an unprotected surface lot located more than a block away.

Who are the people on the outside panels of the building, by the restaurant?

How many theater seats does the Guthrie Theater have?

The Guthrie has three theaters. The Wurtele Thrust Stage seats 1,100. The McGuire Proscenium Stage seats 700. The Dowling Studio seats up to 200 in a flexible space.

Why can't I see the theaters during the day?

Due to various rehearsal schedules, the theaters need to be closed to the public during the day. But much of the rest of the building is open to the public. You can take a self-guided audio tour via iPod or one of our regularly scheduled backstage tours.

How do I get to the Dowling Studio?

From Levels Four or Five, patrons attending the Dowling Studio should go to the southeast side of the building and take one of two elevators there up to Level Nine. Restrooms are available on Level Eight.

Is there someone in the building I can ask if I need help once I am inside the Guthrie Theater?

On Level One immediately facing the main entry on 2nd Street is our concierge desk and on Level Four on the thrust side of the lobby is our Patron Services Desk. Staff at those two desks can answer most questions. During showtime, our ushers and volunteers in red and blue shirts are happy to assist.

Where can I smoke at the Guthrie Theater?

The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking within the building but you can smoke outside the building on Level One on the Mississippi River side (under the endless bridge.) Just be sure to leave enough time to get to your seats!

SEEING A SHOW

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at our box office on Level One, via phone at 612.377.2224 or online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Where is the Box Office?

On Level One on the northwest side of the lobby. During performances, there is also a box office open next to the Patron Services Desk on Level Four.

When is the Box Office open?

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices vary from show to show, from $18 and up for Studio production to $24 and up for mainstage productions. The show pages on this website list ticket prices for each play. Visit the Ticket Prices and Policies page.

Does the Guthrie Theater have a dress code?

No, the Guthrie Theater does not have a dress code. Audience members are free to arrive in jeans or tuxedos. Due to allergies and sensitivities, we recommend patrons refrain from wearing perfume and cologne.

What are preview performances?

Live theater is dependent upon an audience, and preview performances are integral to all company members as they prepare to open a show. During the week before opening night the company continues to rehearse during the day, making changes based on what they learn during preview performances in front an audience. Previews at the Guthrie Theater have a lower ticket price to reflect that the show is still changing.

What are rush tickets and how can I get them?

As available, public rush tickets go on sale 15-30 minutes before any performance. View current rush prices. The rush line accepts cash or check only and is made possible by Target Foundation.

THEATER ETIQUETTE

Whether you're planning your first visit to the Guthrie Theater or you've been a season ticket holder for years, it's a good idea to brush up on your theater etiquette every now and then. Here's a list of helpful tips to make your next theater experience a positive one for you, the actors and your fellow audience members.

Check your tickets in advance

There are three stages at the Guthrie Theater, so it's important to be sure you're in the right theater on the right day at the right time. Printed on each ticket is the name of play, the theater in which it's playing and the date and time of the performance, along with your aisle, row and seat number. Ushers will ask to see your tickets, maybe even more than once. Please be patient, as they're just trying to make sure everyone gets to the right theater and seat.

Arrive early

Because you are attending a live performance, we ask that you be in your seat before the play begins. Once the performance begins, you will not be able to enter the theater except at points pre-determined by the director. This might mean that you'll be watching as much as 20 minutes of the play on a monitor in the lobby. If you arrive after the performance has started, ushers will escort you into the theater at the appropriate time.

Remember, you might need extra time to park so plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the performance.

Take care of personal needs before the performance

Try to use the restroom before the show begins. Leaving the theater during the performance is disruptive to both the actors and the other members of the audience. In addition, if you leave the theater during some plays, you may be asked to wait in the lobby and watch on the monitor until an appropriate moment to return to your seat.

Many people are allergic to perfumes and colognes. Please use fragrances in moderation out of respect to others.

Turn off phones and other electronic devices

It's best to silence your phone completely, as even a vibration tone can be heard by neighboring theatergoers during quiet scenes. And if you use your phone during intermission, please be sure to turn it off again for the duration of the performance.

Texting is not allowed inside the theater: the light emitted is distracting to both performers and other audience members. Due to these distractions, we ask that you refrain from reading and writing text messages or e-mails, checking social media, playing games or otherwise using phones, tablet computers and other portable electronic devices during the performance. After the show, feel free to call/text/e-mail/tweet/update your friends about the great theater you just saw at the Guthrie Theater!

Be respectful

Please remember that if you can hear the actors, they can hear you. Don't talk or whisper, rummage through your bag, unwrap candies or eat during the performance. If your drink has ice cubes, please avoid rattling them. Be mindful of patrons seated in front of you and avoid kicking their seats.

If you are seated in the front row, do not place programs, drinks or personal items on the stage. Please do not sit or walk on the stage at any time, and refrain from touching props or set pieces on the stage; the set and props are delicate and should be admired by your eyes only.

And what we said about turning off your phone: we really mean it. Please.

If you need assistance during the performance

If you require immediate attention during a performance or want to let us know about an issue during intermission, there are ushers available inside and outside the house to assist you.

Remain in the theater for the curtain call

At the end of the performance there is usually a curtain call. This is when the actors come on stage to accept your appreciation. They've worked very hard and this is your chance to thank them. Rushing out before the curtain call is rude to the performers and disturbs the rest of the audience. Wait to leave until the curtain call is over and exit with the rest of the audience.

May I take photos inside the theater?

There is no photography, video or audio recording allowed inside the theaters. Set designs are copyright protected; you will be asked to delete any photos taken of the stage. If you would like to take selfies or group photos, feel free to do so in our lobby areas.

May I bring drinks or food into the theaters?

Drinks in paper or plastic containers are allowed in the theaters. No
glass containers or aluminum cans are allowed for safety and noise
reasons. Food may be eaten in the lobby areas but should not be consumed
inside the theater.

How can I receive regular information from the Guthrie Theater?

I'm writing a research paper for school about the Guthrie Theater (or American theater or Tyrone Guthrie)? Can you help?

We aren't able to answer every request personally or provide assistance with research, but we have compiled a bibliography of information about the Guthrie Theater, Tyrone Guthrie, resident theaters, theater architecture and a few of our productions. Please also refer to the Past Plays and Theater History pages in the About the Guthrie section of this site. Theater scholars and professionals may request information by contacting ourreference librarian.

If your school assignment requires you to obtain additional information or speak
with an industry professional and you're considering a Guthrie staff member, we
ask that you please complete this online form to request the interview (whether
by phone or email) prior to selecting the Guthrie as your research topic. We do
our best to respond to interview requests within one week, however due to the
volume of inquiries received not all interviews can be accommodated.